News Today: Parliament Inaugurated Yesterday

The Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka began its first session yesterday at 10 a.m. following the 2024 Parliamentary Elections, which marked a significant shift in the political landscape. The National People’s Power (NPP), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, secured a landslide victory with 159 out of 225 seats, including 141 directly elected and 18 appointed via the national list.

The inaugural session commenced with the election of Dr. Ashoka Ranwala as Speaker, proposed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and seconded by Minister Vijitha Herath. Dr. Rizvie Salih was unanimously chosen as Deputy Speaker, while Hemali Weerasekara was elected as Deputy Chairman of Committees.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the government’s Policy Statement, highlighting his administration’s vision. Bimal Rathnayake was appointed Leader of the House, and Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assumed duties as Chief Government Whip.